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Post by pelwrath on Dec 13, 2021 12:32:40 GMT -6
In my first book, my chapters averaged 7-10 pages(large print)
I was doing the same with the sequel until the end. I went over the guard rails and a 20-25 page(Word 365) section and the last one might be 15-20.
Very noticeable from the rest of the book. An idea came that I keep them as they are then have a come together tying things up, like a Shakespearean play.
The other option is to splice them together when I edit.
Thoughts and suggestions all?
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Post by ScintillaMyntan on Dec 16, 2021 21:50:41 GMT -6
I don't really feel like I'd mind as a reader. I do sometimes get a little impatient if a chapter goes on for a while, but book chapters aren't like TV show episodes where you're expected to read exactly one chapter in one sitting. But if chapters had inconsistent lengths, that's not something that would bother me, if I even noticed. I'd get that there are probably content reasons for it.
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Post by pelwrath on Dec 17, 2021 9:21:46 GMT -6
Thank you Scintilla
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Post by RAVENEYE on Dec 17, 2021 12:22:21 GMT -6
I don't really feel like I'd mind as a reader. I do sometimes get a little impatient if a chapter goes on for a while, but book chapters aren't like TV show episodes where you're expected to read exactly one chapter in one sitting. But if chapters had inconsistent lengths, that's not something that would bother me, if I even noticed. I'd get that there are probably content reasons for it. Same here. Long chapters are fine as long as the action demands it. Scene breaks within chapters help keep the feel of "commercial breaks" if I need to pause mid-chapter. When writing, my chapters generally run about 3000-4000 words. But if it's really bothering you, pelwrath, find a tense moment in your longer chapters, a place where a decision is pending or the action takes an unexpected turn, and break the chapter right there. It's almost guaranteed to get a reader to turn the page. |
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Post by pelwrath on Dec 17, 2021 12:53:42 GMT -6
Not so much a bothering me but it’s noticeable from my usual chapter length, wasn’t sure how readers would take that.
I am considering ‘splicing’ the last two chapters.
I’ll wait to see what betas think, maybe.
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Post by HDSimplicityy on Dec 19, 2021 22:30:05 GMT -6
Long chapters work great when broken up with scene breaks, like Raveneye says, have ebb and flow, all building and leading to an important moment. You can make them one of the greatest parts of the story.
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You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
